How to Remove Crayon Marks

Kids love coloring and sometimes the whole world (or wall) can look like a blank canvas. Thankfully, generations of parents and housekeepers have discovered a variety of methods to remove crayon marks with cleaners that you likely already have in your home.

Select the cleaning method that will be the safest and most effective for your surface. If using a liquid cleaner, be sure to test a small, hidden area first to ensure that there will be no damage to the surface. The method below for removing crayon from chalkboards can also be effective for walls and floors.

You Will Need:

A scraper, such as a plastic spatula or spoon

An eraser

Rubber cement

Mayonnaise

Baking soda

Toothpaste

Shaving cream

WD-40

Lighter fluid

Steps to Remove the Crayon:

Use a plastic spatula or spoon to gently scrape off the crayon marks. Be careful not to scratch the surface or grind the crayon into the surface.

Some types of crayon can be easily removed with an eraser.¹

Apply a layer of rubber cement over the crayon mark. Allow the rubber cement to dry and then peel away the rubbery glue and crayon.²

Mayonnaise works well to remove crayon from polished wood and vinyl. Dab the mayo onto the crayon with a paper towel and allow the mayo to sit for several minutes. Then, simply wipe away the mayo and crayon.

Dab a moist cloth with baking soda and use the paste to clean away the crayon.

Place some plain white toothpaste on a dry cloth and gently scrub the area.³

Spray shaving cream onto the crayon mark and use a scrub brush or sponge to clean the area.²

Spray the crayon marks on wallpaper or porous surfaces, such as concrete, with WD-40 and wipe away the marks.

Soak a cloth with lighter fluid and gently rub the crayon marks with the cloth. Be sure to thoroughly wash the cloth afterward, and ventilate the area.⁴